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Seasonal Variability of Metallothioneins, Cytochrome P450, Bile Metabolites and Oxyradical Metabolism in the European Eel Anguilla anguilla L. (Anguillidae) and Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus L. (Mugilidae)

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Abstract

The European eel Anguilla anguilla (Anguillidae) and the striped mullet Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae) are typical inhabitants of Mediterranean brackish lagoons, and their utility as bioindicator organisms has already been suggested. The seasonal variability of several potential biomarkers was investigated during a field study carried out in the Orbetello lagoon (Tuscany, Italy). Organisms were sampled on a seasonal basis, and analyzed parameters included the levels of hepatic metallothioneins, the activity of cytochrome P450 1A (EROD), and the presence of biliary PAH metabolites. Special attention was also paid to antioxidant defenses, including catalase, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferases, and total glutathione concentration. Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC-assay) was measured as an indication of the overall biological resistance to toxicity of different forms of oxyradicals (peroxynitrite, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals). Obtained results suggest that natural variations of analyzed responses are associated with seasonality of both environmental and biological factors, mainly temperature and reproductive cycle which, however, have a different influence in these two species. Striped mullets exhibited the strongest variations in October when spawning occurs; eels are not influenced by a seasonal sexual maturation and showed more marked changes during the summer, likely related to the elevated seawater temperature and light irradiance in the lagoon. This study confirms the importance of characterizing seasonal variations and the influence of different factors on biological responses that can be used as biomarkers in monitoring programs.

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  1. Istituto di Biologia e Genetica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri Monte d’Ago, Ancona, 60100, Italy

    Stefania Gorbi, Chiara Baldini & Francesco Regoli

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  1. Stefania Gorbi
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  2. Chiara Baldini
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  3. Francesco Regoli
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Correspondence to Francesco Regoli.

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Gorbi, S., Baldini, C. & Regoli, F. Seasonal Variability of Metallothioneins, Cytochrome P450, Bile Metabolites and Oxyradical Metabolism in the European Eel Anguilla anguilla L. (Anguillidae) and Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus L. (Mugilidae). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 49, 62–70 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-004-0150-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-004-0150-9

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